The impasse featuring the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) and the Principal of Alexandra School, Mr. Jeff Broomes can only be characterized as a comedy of errors or rather a tragedy of incompetence on the part of the Ministry of Education and the Personnel Administration Division. Before I proceed, let me state that I am firmly behind the BSTU. Nonetheless, I will endeavour to be fair to all sides.
The BSTU is one of the oldest trade unions in Barbados, with a proud history of achievements on behalf of its members. In the recent past, it has been overshadowed by the younger and more partisan political Barbados Union of Teachers whose main achievements, in its relatively short history, seems to be positioning its executive officers for higher office in the Ministry of Education and now in Government. But for its constant wrangling with Jeff Broomes, the BSTU goes about its business, almost unnoticed by the public, in a calm and dignified manner.
On the other hand, Mr. Broomes, who has been able to mount a façade of caring for the children in his charge, continues to provoke controversy whenever he is out of the limelight for any extended period. He usually catapults himself to national notice by making statements that are calculated to be controversial, and then he invites reaction by saying things like, “Bring it on!” Rather than keep quiet in order to avoid an escalation of the current episode, he allowed himself to be quoted in the Nation saying that he would do it again. He is aware of what transpired when he made the offending statement the first time. Why would he do it again if not to enflame passions and call attention to himself? However, while he is basking in all the attention that he is receiving, the children that he loves and cares so much about that should be his focus are going without instruction at this crucial juncture.
Despite my criticism of Jeff Broomes, he is not totally at fault. The saga starring Uncle Jeff has been allowed to fester for far too long while the agencies of Government that are responsible discipline sat on their hands to the detriment of the students, and also to the detriment of the teachers’ health. If the Ministry of Education and the Personnel Administration had administered a little medicine in the early stages of this problem, there would be no reason to require radical surgery to remove this gangrenous limb of the education system.
Now that the long suffering teachers have declared that they are no longer prepared to endure Broomes’ brand of management and the ministry’s lethargy, they are being abused due in part to the fact that the media refuse to fairly put their side. Teachers at Alexandra have every right to protect themselves since no one else seems to be doing it. Even the police appeared to side with Broomes and prevented the union from marching by exercising power that they do not have. Union marches, funerals and marches by the Barbados Regiment are exempted from the provisions of the Public Order Act. Put simply, the Police have no authority to prevent a union march. Teachers have opted to withdraw their labour as is their right under the provisions of the Trade Union Act. Some overzealous commentators have even called for the dismissal of the striking teachers. Would they like it if they were dismissed for standing up for their rights? They should be aware that they are calling on the authorities to commit a criminal act. Section 40A of the Trade Union Act states:
40A. An employer who –
(a) dismisses a workman or adversely affects the employment or alters the position of a workman to his prejudice because that workman –
(i) is or proposes to become an officer, delegate or member of a trade union,
(ii) being a member of a trade union which is seeking better labour conditions, is dissatisfied with his conditions.
(iii) has absented himself from work without leave after he has made an application for leave for the purpose of carrying out his duties or exercising his rights as an officer or delegate of a trade union and such leave has unreasonably been refused or withheld, or
(iv) takes part in trade union activities outside or, with the consent of the employer, within working hours: or
(b) threatens to dismiss a workman or to adversely affect the employment or alter the position of a workman to his prejudice –
(i) because that workman is or proposes to become an officer, delegate or member of a trade union or other combination which has applied to be registered as a trade union, or
(ii) with intent to dissuade or prevent that workman from becoming an officer, delegate or member of a trade union.
is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
The normally docile teachers at Alexandra School have been extremely slow to anger but having reached that point. They are resolute in their stance and have determined, come what may, they are no longer working with Jeff Broomes. The lambs have roared.
The ball is now in the court of the Ministry of Education and the Personnel Administration Division. They have several options to bring closure to this mess, namely:
-
They can transfer all the teachers involved and send a new set to Alexandra to be demoralized;
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They can transfer Broomes but since he is appointed as Principal of Alexandra, he would have to consent to any such transfer; or
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Broomes could be retired from the Teaching Service in accordance with the provisions of section 8(1) of the Pensions Act where an officer can be retired, “on becoming unfit in the opinion of the Governor-General, for the discharge of the duties of his office, though not suffering from any particular illness or infirmity likely to be permanent…”
No more excuses, no more political interference in the Teaching Service. The children at Alexandra School deserve much better, and the teachers need some much deserved relief so that they can once again concentrate on teaching.
340 responses to “Alexandra School Impasse: A Massive Failure Of Public Service Administration”
Caswell please explain what is the logic behind appointing a headmaster to a school which makes it a challenge to transfer that principal as in the case of Broomes..
The followup question is why given the long history of tension between the teachers and Broomes would the CPO not act with alacrity when a letter was received from the BSTU?
It is not enough to suggest as David Ellis did yesterday that the Christmas Holidays is not the best time to do business.
The situation at hand should dictate how the main actors respond to a situation.
In this case an acknowledgement of the letter by the CPO may have been all that was required to avert this mess.
I do not understand the logic behind transferring trouble from place to place. If only a small amount of things that I am hearing were true, it would be a case for instituting disciplinary action. Mind you, it seems that some people are immune from or protected from disciplinary action. Recently, a head of department was caught with his hand in the till. They did not call the Police as required by the Financial Rules. Instead he was moved to another ministry for a while until things blew over and subsequently returned as if he had not misappropriated millions, but he too had lodge (not the school) connections and very influencial friends. Other people are interdicted (suspended) from the performance of their duties for sucking their teeth at a supervisor.
To answer your question: it makes absolutely no sense but that is what happens when politicians interfere in the administration of the Public Service.
David Ellis suggested that Christmas is not the best time to do business, but knowing the incumbent Chief Personnel Officer, I can safely say that there is no good time for her to do business. Some people say that it might be over work: I say that it is just laziness.
Caswell – I did not think that striking union workers could be dismissed once the strike has been called by the union, but could you clarify what in Section 40A quoted above would prevent this in the present circumstances?
i just had a good laugh reading your comments Mr. Franklyn. you remind me of Peter Wickham when he did the poll in 4 areas and went on to say it can not be used nation wide and then talks about what it could means national.
Mr. Franklyn, i would declare that it’s person like yourself who add fuel to the fire with your above comments.
i don’t know who is right or who is wrong in this issue and i will not “pick a side” but i do find it very funny that no one to date, that i have heard talk about this, has address the comments that Mr. Broomes made about the teacher not wanting to teach at the time he talked about.
so it leads me to believe the problem is not about what he said but where and how he said it.
i think it’s a very dangerous road we are on when we could believe that because we don’t like someone (a manager), with the help of the union, we could call for the removal of that person from that post. i’ve had managers i did not like and i left the people place and look for work some where else.
Mr. Franklyn, you talked about the police having “no authority to prevent union march”. again this is very dangerous and if what you say is true, how are the unions going to address this?
there is a clear lack of leadership in this issue but then there is a clear lack of leadership in the country. so i don’t blame the teachers, Mr. Broomes or the unions. i do however blame the person like yourself Mr. Franklyn who do nothing to help the issue.
All secondary schools in Barbados are not equal.The 11 plus exam perpetuates the elitist mentality that some secondary schools are better than others.Alexander is one of the older secondary schools that you pray your child pass for.No one feels good when their child pass for Parkinson. Then again you are allocated to Parkinson as no one is viewed as having pass for that school.
Most of the problems at Alexander secondary school has to do with the fact that some secondary schools are more equal than others.I am sure that the problems at Alexander school are unheard of at Grantley Adams and or St. George secondary.The parents at these newer secondary schools take it for granted that their children will get whatever education they can.However, here I am reading that the parents of children at Alexander school ,believe they have the right to expect a far superior delivery of education to their children.So much so that the parents have the inalienable right to sit in the class room and ensure they children get that quality education, that a pupil receives from an older secondary school.After all they child was not allocated to one of those schools but pass the 11 plus for Alexander school.
i am very much aware that mr frankltyn can adequately defend himself but pray tell me mr david not bu how cam mr franklyn resolve a volatile issue when he is not in an authoritative position to so do and i observe nothiing in his comments to add fuel to a fire which was stoking long ago but has been further ignited by the inability of a dithering ministry and personnel department to sit back and hope for the best rather than address a situation of which containment demands innovation and thinking outside the box which seems lacking these days in these regurgative cerified gurus now holding high administrative positions in government. the problem in this issue is not mr franklyn but as you rightly pointed out the lack of leadership not only in this issue but in all spheres of management in this country and it is time the prime minister intervenes.i am on record as saying that the prime minister has been dealt a bad hand which on his assumption of office might have rendered him into a state of paralysis but it is no use crying over spilt milk forever. it is time mr stuart steps up to the plate nationaaly. he can start by summoning the aggrieved parties to government headquarters and bringing closure to the issue through respect which only the office of the prime minister can command or quietly reading both parties the riot act.the windfall money and telephone company trade union industrial matters were greater issues than this and they were solved at the highest levels.over to you mr prime minister.
i am appalled by the commentators some of whom i believe are union members vilifying ms redman and the bstu for representing the interests of their membership? isn’t that what any union member would demand of their leadership? should ms redman and the bstu lie down and play dead?in my view , the fact that the leadership of the bstu constrined themselves for so long in not having their purported grievances addressed indicates to me either a sign of docility,unprecedented patience or a wllingness to subjugate their interests for the interests of the children.
@Brutus
Think it is a most dangerous precedent we set when labourers are forced to work in arduous and hostile conditions . People have suffered and fought to have the rights of labourers protected by law and not have to work in any hostile environment now it is apparent that only those with a self interest would want to see labourers rights trampled upon in defiance for the privilege few. It won’t be long before!!. IT won’t be long before Barbados return to the days of “sweat shops: as self interest dictates ones own interest above the rights of the worker.
All of Barbados is split between blaming Broomes and or the 31 teachers.
Caswell puts the blame mainly on the owner of the labour of both parties and he is blamed.
If the two have have a dispute does it not make sense for the employer to resolve it?
We set a dangerous precedent when we draw lines based on popular sentiment especially when the full facts are not in the public domain.
The CTUSAB one would expect is privy to more info and their assessment is that the matter has reached crisis point.
How is our touted social partnership going to react?
The MOE cannot not and do not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to Jeff Broomes they cannot negotiate any agreement or realistic solution becauseof their close relationship with Broomesand as a result their vision has been clouded and for them to find a meaningful resolution is hopelesslest we forget “those who lie down with dogs will get up with fleas”
1 or 2 questions. I Blame the MOE. They allowed this wound to fester. Why was it not dealt with early on? Also, Did the teacher in question after announcing to everyone within earshot that they were not teaching the class still collect their pay each month for work not done?
Was it stated if Broomes took action against the teacher?
This is indeed a very forthright article, worthy of serious study, a departure from the emotional clap-trap that has been dominating discussion on this Broome / BSTU / Alexander School matter. Readers / commentators should really take a critical look at the PUBLIC RECORD of the man Jeff Broomes ; it does not make a happy recital. At the St Lucy Secondary, St James Secondary, The St Michael School; Alexander School , The BCA ;EVERY INSTITUTION in which Broomes has functioned has had difficulty WITH BROOMES. The Alexander School has been an institution that over the years, has carried out its business with quiet efficiency. Except for a period in the late 60’s during the tenure of Liz Earnshaw when the school produced a number of outstanding sportswomen, the school has kept away from the glare of public attention . All of that changed with the introduction of Jeff Broomes into that institution. Let us be serious and move away from the silly self-serving “uncle jeff’ cult that the man has tried, with some measure of success, to cultivate over the years. Are you trying to suggest to me that every other person, IN EVERY INSTITUTION named above was the problem AND NOT BROOMES, THE COMMON DENOMINATOR ON EVERY OCCASION ? This whole matter cries out for critical appraisal ; a narrow perspective based on solving the problem “because the children are suffering” will only provide a TEMPORARY respite from Jeff Broomes and his continuing foolishness.
As a former member of the BSTU, I shall refrain from making any comment on its record; I will simply invite readers to take a critical look at the record of that institution over its entire history and see if you can accuse it of irresponsible conduct.
Broomes has so far succeeded in attracting a measure of uncritical support through a cheap public relations campaign in the press and on radio and television. My observation on this is that a principal does not have to embark upon that kind of PR exercise. Maybe he should examine the record of such persons as Skeete, Yearwood, Noot, Hammond; Newsam, Payne,Symmonds, Thompson, Deighton Griffith, John Blackman,,,,,, .
.they DID NOT have to resort to any cheap PR to be NOTICED. Broomes seems to suffer from a chronic dose of ” PRESSITIS “. In the meantime the institutions in which he functions continue to suffer.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION MUST ACT.
To the list of principals mentioned above must be added Mr Cuthbert Brathwaite , the first head at ELLERSLIE. and Erwin Brathwaite the first male head at Alexander.
Very few things normally floor me. But the response by David not BU really took the cake; how could he or she or it read what Caswell wrote and still form the clap trap that resides here on this blog. I have no problem with you and yours supporting Uncle Jeff but restrain your enthusiasm for that too has its place.
To All:
This situation can not be resolved with the call for Mr. Broome’s head. Only the MOE can officially do that; so the BSTU should stop the refrain. The BSTU on the other hand needs to formulate its demands for discussion with the MOE, and the basis of these discussions MUST BE restoring the Alexandra School to a learning environment. The opportunity should also be taken to craft a policy which informs how any principal engages with any member of the BSTU with regard to discipline. For this has been a gross failure within the context of this situation. Principals can not be seen to be little gods throwing darts from mount olympus on the terrified teachers below. Respect must be had on both sides of this social equation. This a clear opportunity for even the BUT to get involve to reshape the present paradigm which now governs relationships at all secondary schools. Maybe BAPPS can bring some useful energy to the table in support of this venture.
Everyone seems to be caught up in a lot of emotion regarding this matter. I just have one question. Was Mr. Broomes lying when he said what he said about the teacher(s)? If he was, get rid/move/transfer him. If he is not, then, get rid/move/transfer the teacher(s). Problem solved.
To AOG:
You need to understand that Mr. Broome has rights and the teachers also have rights, so your suggestion may not be all that practical or useful.
@AOG Let.s not go into the barrell of rotten apples a pull out the last one entered and use that as a way to resolve.NO.NO.NO. but rather BSTU must be grounded and persistant that every rottebn apple in that barrell be given the same latitude as it is now the last grievance however was in violation of the teachers code of ethics. NO. NO. mr. Broomes should not be givien a passing grade by letting the MOE overlook past grievances
Were Mary Redman to spend as much time reflecting on the disruption her union is causing innocent school children as matching her red coat with red shoes and designer jeans and shades the impasse would be over long ago. Absolutely agree with every word Ridley Greene said about her. Send her and the plotters back to work Jones.
Is Ridley Greene a journalist first and employee of the NATION second?
How can we take sides when the facts are not public?
While the reaction of the PTA is understandable the more important concern is how can the toxic learning environment at Alexander by relieved. Do they want their children to enter the existing environment for the sake of it?
@Caswell
“gangrenous? facade? catapults? partisan?” These words don’t indicate objective fairness, but I could be wrong.
I totally agree that the MEHR holds a lot (almost all) of the blame for not leading on the (these) issues. Likewise the Deputy Principal and Board in the school cannot be blameless. Blame must also be cast at the BSTU for the manner in which they have recently handled the matter at this point, based on the information they are (not) distributing to the public. Given all of that, blame does not solve the problem and doesn’t help our students.
A few questions though for my general knowledge
– Like Brutus I don’t clearly see how section 40 supports your argument carte blanche. The Act mentions some conditionalities, particularly. “takes part in trade union activities outside or, with the consent of the employer, within working hours”
– Where does the Chief Personnel Officer fit into the “historical” dispute except for her recent non-response to the BSTU’s December letter? Can she “fire” Broome? Procedurally speaking, having now gone directly to her is the MEHR now out of the equation and has the full responsibility been placed on the Ministry of the Civil Service to investigate and make a determination? Also, if they indicate that they woud investigate, would the union be within its right to continue withdrawing labour until Broomes is “separated”?
– which Act speaks to the Police not being able to prevent a march (or a demonstration if that applies as well)
Lastly, you presented three suggestions all of which have far reaching caveats. Which solution would you suggest is best for all parties involved? And where that isn’t possible, which party should be held in higher priority when considering the best solution.
“Was Mr. Broomes lying when he said what he said about the teacher(s)?”
you know nobody ain’t answer that yet.
I should have said thanks in advance for the education and learning. BU is a great classroom!
@ ac & lemuel…
With rights come responsibilities. Why didn’t any of the “aggreived and accused parties” step up and own them? (yes, I’m including EVERYONE involved in this!)
AOG seems to have the right idea…similar to King Solomon, wisest king alive (according to the Bible)…
If A do wrong, fix A. If B do wrong, fix B. If both do wrong, fix both! Simple! Why do people want to make things complicated?
And ac, if as you say, “the barrel of apples are rotten”, are you gonna keep them & coddle them? Really? At a private institution, both instigators would be fired with speed, and replacements brought in immediately. No mess, no uproar, and the children still get educated! On time, too!
This is a mess. No time for casting blame. Let’s fix it.
Amazing piece from Caswell, probably the only other person in Barbados besides Mr Broomes, who has left such a trail of chaos wherever he has trod…. Ask PWCCUL, NUPW, BDF etc
….and a man after the Bushman’s own heart – because he calls it as he sees it.
There are two big mistakes being made here on this issue.
1 – The teachers and some others here, seem to think that the whole objective of being in the job of teaching is to be comfortable in your job, with little pressure, and to be respected and loved by the bosses.
What crock!!!
The objective is to teach children, when that does NOT happen, then the guilty SHOULD BE MADE UNCOMFORTABLE AND HARRASSED….not cuddled.
One point to Broomes.
2. The Union is basing their whole case on some principle that managers should “praise in public and criticize in private. ”
PEOPLE! that is just a general principle of effective management – like good communications, nice conditions etc. However when that
“exceptional idiot” who has no intention of doing the JOB for which they are paid comes along, the Focus Must be on productivity…
There can NEVER be a written rule that a manager cannot criticize in public – this would lead to an inefficient system with no accountability (….wait! That is what we have….) LOL
Two points to Mr Broomes.
Barbados is the world center of mediocrity, so it is not surprising that so many people are opposed to a manager who openly enforces standards. Nor is it a surprise that such a manager would ” leave a trail of chaos” where ever he work.
What Bushie finds surprising is that such a large majority can see the folly and arrogance of the actions of the union….. Things may not be as hopeless as the Bushman feared….
As to Bushie’s “Chairman-elect’ – Caswell; the only difference between him and Jeff Broomes is that he has chosen never to become a manager with any responsibility for PRODUCTIVITY. Instead, he has always taken a stand for the ‘rules and regulations’ and made his enemies by sticking to those principles….Without any regard for the cost.
….this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black….
Quoting Retired Teacher at 7:35 a.m.
“Let us be serious and move away from the silly self-serving “uncle jeff’ cult that the man has tried, with some measure of success, to cultivate over the years.”
At last a sensible person.
One does not have to look neither far nor hard to see that there is and always has been a carefully crafted and well orchestrated public relations machine designed for the sole purpose of retarding the efforts of the BSTU.Firstly how was this nonsense allowed to continue for so long,yet the union is still seen as the institution that failed to practise restraint? While it is a fact that the children are the ones that feel the greatest pinch in this episode,it is simply not fair to lay the blame at the feet of the teachers,as though they are the only players in this “Big dog and pony” game.Is it not a fact that eons ago not one,not two but three meetings were called by Mrs.Watson-Griffith-(I think that is her name,and the title of her office escapes me at this time.)Three meetings of which none was attended by “Big dog Jeff. Today we are asked to believe that the powers that be gave this valiant effort to find resolution and they were stunted by this trade union.This wicked bunch that called strike action to hurt the kids. The powers that be who time and again have been fustrated and usurped by de big dog now have their carefully crafted machine trying to sell Barbados the idea that a trade union should not call for strike action at the time where maximum effect can be had. The best known trade union in the country holds negotiations with the hoteliers to coincide with the peak of the tourist season.The reason for such is known to me as well as it is to those who sit at Starcom’s microphones and for their own reasons try to extract the teeth of the BSTU.
Sir Roy has injected some sanity in his recent statement. Why would Broomes have refused Sir Roy’s offer to mediate?
You can’t be serious David.
@Bush Tea
A leader must lead.
@Angela Ifill | January 12, 2012 at 5:40 AM
“….Alexander is one of the older secondary schools that you pray your child pass for”
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA..U really serious?…O M GOSH. LORD HAVE MERCY (stumbling away with tears running down my face). mam u gotta be kidding me!
Just heard B W U’S position on this matter. Well de big dog said to bring it on,and now he has gotten his wish.We may question Mrs.Redman’s style or the union’s collective strategy,but at the end of the day this is a fight that trade unionism cannot afford to lose.The danger of this precedent is clear for all to see and those of us with a vested interest in the trade union surely understand the consequences of retrogressive actions.B S T U has to be vindicated in this matter or we would have dealt a blow to the soul of a movement that has done much to advance the cause of poor people the caribbean over.
Thumps up to Sir Roy. Hopefully now that Karen Best knows that she won’t be the next Chief Education Officer we may hear from BUT.
If NUPW doesn’t support BSTU, I will have cancel my membership!
@David
Where’s the sanity???
@Hamilton
“We may question Mrs.Redman’s style or the union’s collective strategy”
Therein lies the major issue within the issue. Two wrongs can’t make a right.
Let us not lose sight of right or wrong. Someone ask earlier if the statement made about the teacher was wrong? that is the central focus not personalities or gender.
Here is a teacher who refused to teach for an entire term and we condone this as right? no wonder our children behave the way they do.
How do we condone this as right?
Then we have a teacher at another school who forgot to submit the relevant exam papers to the CXC Council and the union says they will picket the headquarters.
Have we gone mad?
Actually the issue is how the leader dealt with the teacher. So far all the info in the public domain shows he has not.
@HAMILTON HILL | January 12, 2012 at 1:24 PM |
“We may question Mrs.Redman’s style or the union’s collective strategy,but at the end of the day this is a fight that trade unionism cannot afford to lose….B S T U has to be vindicated in this matter or we would have dealt a blow to the soul of a movement
what a ‘bunch of crap’ Th BSTU according to you must win, irrespective of if they are right or wrong? are you people fa real? or just hell bent of getting rid of Mr. Broomes? i will bet a $1,000 that when all is said and done, he will be elevated to a better position and those pre and post-menopausal creatures will still be there grumbling.
I’m convinced, if it was a female principal at the AX school, Mary Redman and her followers would not be so vinditive. What this has surmounted to is a clash between the Jeff Broomes supporters backed by the Schools prinncipals union/association and the BSTU backed by their supporters and the BWU. Where is CTUSAB in all of this? Isn’t the BWU part of CTUSAB also? Whatever the BUT lead by Karen Best comes with now cannot be taken serious. If she was chosen as Chief Education Officer, we know her followers would have sided with Mr Broomes to give her support, if the BUT goes with the teachers, it would look like because she was overlooked she is seeking revenge. This whole thing is simply a power struggle and all that is going to happen is the entire country is going to have to bear the vennem of an out of control maniac Mary Redman
@Fran
Well said, could not have said it any better.
Where is the Prime Minister in all of this? Is he going to allow the couintry to i,plore while he bask in the glory of Ilaro Court?
Broomes went to the MOE initially to deal with the insubordination but the issue was ignored by the MOE. Apparently the said teacher is related to a senior official in the Ministry. It is alleged that this may have played a part in the Ministry’s unwillingness to act.
If this is true then it shows Broomes only broke from protocol when those who were supposed to act refused.
MOE has lots of explaining to do
@Caswell
You are neither fish nor fowl, no one wants you or respects you or your views. You are a lonesome outsider who has to sit on the fence and talk shite.
David
Where exactly have you been?
What leaders must lead what??
A modern principal is expected to manage a bunch of spoilt teachers (whose idea of hard work includes working from 9.30 to 2.45 with 18 weeks holiday per year, and countless “professional days”, half term holidays etc.). While educating 800 modern teenagers.
As documented on BU, the whole thing has been a dismal failure Dispite an annual budget of $400 M.
Meanwhile these ‘principals’ have absolute,y NO management powers except TALK.
They can’t fire anyone
They can’t hire anyone
They can’t suspend teachers ( or even students…)
They can’t touch a teacher’s pay
…now this is all well and good if (like most of them) they don’t give a hoot about the children’s education. But what does a Principal who is driven to get good results do…?? plead…?
All the man did was to APOLOGIZE to those parents whose children were CHEATED by that teacher…. YOU THINK THAT THIS DON’T HAPPEN IN OTHER SCHOOLS???? You want ALL covered up?.. Cause that seems to be the Union’s goal.
Nobody is saying that Broomes is PERFECT…shit! even BUSH TEA may have a few flaws here and there…. But Bushie CANNOT condemn a leader – even an imperfect one- for standing up for what is RIGHT.
As for Leroy Trotman mediating this issue ….that would be like asking Leroy Parris to mediate in a matter related to funds missing from a school safe….
The BSTU has no realtionship with CXC, thus I dont seem to follow Mary Redman’s illogoic.
Jeff Broomes did not tell the truth. The teacher did NOT refuse to teach for a term.
It is incredible that someone would seek to hold up as a successful manager someone who would “leave a trail of chaos” wherever he worked. Come off your high horse Bush Tea. Broomes is the epitome of mediocrity, caprice, unmerited ego boosting, dishonesty and low to no productivity. The only mystery is how he got so far when there is a mountain of evidence of his unsuitability for the job. When he was at St Lucy Secondary, he was known to very frequently absent himself from classes without permission or reasonable explanation. When he left that school the then Principal stated that he did not have much to say about Broomes because he was often not at school and contributed very little. When he was at St.James Secondary as Deputy Principal he was once left in charge of the school while the Principal (Griffith I believe) went on a training assignment. Broomes made such a mess of things that the Principal had to discontinue the training course and hurriedly return to the school to bring it back in order. Broomes then went to the St Michael School also as Deputy Principal where he was so useless that the Principal Smith termed him “Dr Dolittle”! He was known for locking himself away in his office and playing games on the computer. It has been said that the then Chief Education Officer Griffith-Watson was warned NOT to recommend Broomes for appointment as Principal yet Broomes inexplicable ascent to the post of Principal continued.
Given the silence of those with authority in this matter and the internecine relationships among the same, I despaired that the teachers would lose this fight. Well I now believe that the tide has turned and thankfully it now seems that the teachers may yet win.
Leroy Troman is a waste of time, he held on to the realsm to ensure that Bobby never became head of the union. He is past retirement age.
Inde
No one will miss you, i am sure. More will join.
Sir Roy
Does not understand the rules governing the Public Service. Can anyone remember when Hugh Foster et al were fired/retrenced from BTA. it was the NUPW which advised him on the matter even though staff were not members of NUPW. Ask Denis Clarke and Joe Goddard.